Saints 2 Burnley 0 - Post Match Chat

[Wes Tender]

This was a superb opportunity to inflict a psychological advantage over West Ham and we grasped it with both hands. Because WH couldn't play today we reduced their advantage over us to a single point and then they will look nervously over their shoulders at the demolition job we did on one of the division's most in form teams who have already beaten them away at WH. Play like we did today and we will beat them to move above them and it will only be by winning their game in hand that they will return to the top with the slenderest of leads, a single point.

 

I believe that it is a truism that when we play our strongest team and that they all play well for each other, no team in this division is capable of beating us. And it must be said that this was the strongest team all playing for each other, with a commitment born out of professional pride. Injuries and suspensions had lain us down to our lowest point and a match against a team in such form was a real test of character. Had we lost, it would have been difficult to turn around their losing mentality, but they were able to excuse a poor string of results because of factors beyond their control and recognise and believe that as all key players were back fit, there was no reason that they shouldn't pick up where they left off.

 

Although all of the team put in an incredible shift, a special mention goes to Sharp, who although his goal looked a total fluke, nevertheless seems to have struck up an immediate understanding with Lambert and the two of them will hopefully terrorise every defence in the division. At the other end of the park, great to have Hooiveld back and both he and Fonte looked very assured and did a great job of ensuring that Austin's run of scoring success in every game he has played us, finally came to an end. Also, they also kept the highly rated Rodriguez quiet. Connolly made an impact also when he came on and Lee's cameo suggested that he could add something very different to the mix if required. Interesting to speculate as to what a fully fit Chaplow and Puncheon could bring to the table too. We now have so many potential options to change things about, that it will produce a tactical headache for the rival managers to second guess what we might come up with.

 

The scoreline of 2-0 flattered Burnley. There could easily have been another two or three goals. And on Tuesday we have the opportunity to stuff another team playing in claret and blue.

[Jonnyboy]

Great to have a player causing problemsin the six yard box. Lambert touch was immacuate throughout,Cork ans Spiderman awesome and Jos and Jose quality

NA wont say it but that is our best XI at the oent,with a great bench full of impact players -Punch, Chung and Connolly.

Brilliant afternoon, just thawing out !

 

Who?

[ooh it's a corner]

This was a superb opportunity to inflict a psychological advantage over West Ham and we grasped it with both hands.

 

Completely agree. I was reading the WHU forums a fews days ago and the sentiment was "keep the points tally over southampton, then beat them, and we'll be 7 points clear of second, or still be top even if we lose".

 

Now, if they lose, we're top, pressure is firmly on WHU for tuesday...

[revolution saint]

I thought Lambert was unplayable today - fantastic first touch throughout the game, good vision, passing and striking (despite not scoring). Seems strange to say but for me that was his best performance at SMS this season although there were no goals for him. West Ham can buy who they want but I wouldn't trade Ricky for any of their players. I don't think it was a coincidence that he played so well with Sharp either - the two look a tailor made partnership at this level.

 

Excellent win but the performance didn't tell me anything I didn't already know: when Lambert wins his duel with the CBs, the rest of the team prospers. Burnley's defending at times was very lightweight and made Lambert look unplayable.

 

We have other options -and I was glad to see Guly back in midfield and Sharp showed glimpses of promise playing off the shoulder of the last defender (some of his take downs in mid-motion were excellent); but whether they constitute a genuine plan B remains open to debate.

 

We'll find out soon enough: WHU's CBs are some of the strongest in the division and Lambert is unlikely to have as easy a time. We'll then see if it others can step up and provide the same threat. If we are serious about promotion and with a full squad to pick from, we have few excuses.

 

Think you may be putting too much emphasis on the West Ham game; would be great to win but it's not make or break or even defining.

[RedWillie]

such was our domination I completely forgot J Rod was playing...non existent and as for Austin....WHO ? !!!

[Wildgoose]

Strong strong performance today. Lambert's control and technique was outstanding. Apart from the first 15 minutes of the second half, I thought we were

unplayable. Connolly's goal looked onside to us and Lee's touch at the end deserved one! There was a real buzz about the place. Saints are back on track!

[shurlock]

I thought Lambert was unplayable today - fantastic first touch throughout the game, good vision, passing and striking (despite not scoring). Seems strange to say but for me that was his best performance at SMS this season although there were no goals for him. West Ham can buy who they want but I wouldn't trade Ricky for any of their players. I don't think it was a coincidence that he played so well with Sharp either - the two look a tailor made partnership at this level.

 

 

Think you may be putting too much emphasis on the West Ham game; would be great to win but it's not make or break or even defining.

 

Agree - if we lose at WHU, it won't be the end of the world.

 

What I mean is that WHU have two disciplined and physically dominant CBs and they will be a useful barometer of how far we rely on Lambert going into the stretch. We have all our attacking options back, so if there's a time to show we can mix it up attacking-wise, its now. If we struggle, it might tell something about our chances against other teams with good CBs as I'm convinced that many of our poor performances/losses have coincided with Lambert's absence or teams success in stifling him.

[BallBoy]

Normal service has been resumed. The swagger is back. Still a long way to go but this was very encouraging.

 

The Lambert/Sharp partnership looked pretty awesome. Sharp is quick, mobile, clever and strong. The perfect foil for Lambert who is just getting better and better and better.

 

Just before half time Sharp played a perfect first time ball out to Lambert on the right. He then sprinted into the danger zone and was centimetres away from Rickie's curling cross. Only a brilliant defensive touch stopped him. It would have been sensational. I look forward to more.

[Elmore]

Great result and great performance from the lads.

 

Martin has done e good job in the last few games but it made such a difference with Jos and Jose at centre-back. Both were quality.

 

Lallana was back to his best and Guly had his best game for a while in my opinion - I'm fairly certain Guly has been playing with an injury or he has just been knackered as he has been out of sorts recently.

 

Sharp and Lee both look a right handful.

 

All in all very pleased.

[Bald Headed Jesus]

Rickie Lambert was absolutely outstanding today. That is all.

[alpine_saint]

Has that exact post not been written for you quite a few times??!!!!

 

 

Entirely likely, as is the case with the mongy post about "wrist-slashers" that provoked it.

[View From The Top]

Schneiderlin and Cork bossed it today. No need to force the issue at 2-0...

 

With the style we play we keep the ball and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards.

 

Did it very well today.

 

You'd have to be a bit simple to think otherwise IMHO.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

All things come to those who wait.

 

Many of us have been waiting a long time now to see some real evidence that our seemingly long lasting performance slump might be coming to a close. Although we were perhaps not quite back to our very best early season form, methinks todays effort was dominant enough (against decent opposition) to suggest we may be on the up again. The start of a unstoppable march to promotion then, or a false dawn ? Time will tell.

 

Three good.

Sharp and Lambert look to have the makings of a lethal strike-force - the best combo in this division ?

Our defence looked much surer with Hooiveld and Fonte back together again

Adam Lallana - The real thing I reckon

 

Three bad.

Guly do Pardo - Fading badly as the season progresses IMO - bottled out of a 'one-on-one' with their keeper late in 1st half

Danny Fox - Offers the team very little of note as far as I can see.

I had to defrost a frozen solid 10 year old on the way home !

[View From The Top]

All things come to those who wait.

 

Many of us have been waiting a long time now to see some real evidence that our seemingly long lasting performance slump might be coming to a close. Although we were perhaps not quite back to our very best early season form, methinks todays effort was dominant enough (against decent opposition) to suggest we may be on the up again. The start of a unstoppable march to promotion then, or a false dawn ? Time will tell.

 

Three good.

Sharp and Lambert look to have the makings of a lethal strike-force - the best combo in this division ?

Our defence looked much surer with Hooiveld and Fonte back together again

Adam Lallana - The real thing I reckon

 

Three bad.

Guly do Pardo - Fading badly as the season progresses IMO - bottled out of a 'one-on-one' with their keeper late in 1st half

Danny Fox - Offers the team very little of note as far as I can see.

I had to defrost a frozen solid 10 year old on the way home !

 

You're fu cking nuts mush.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

You're fu cking nuts mush.

 

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

[View From The Top]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

 

Yeah, right. Fu ck all, no closing down all across the pitch, nothing, nowt, zip. Never once, not once, an outlet or worked with the RB, not once.

[ooh it's a corner]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

 

REALLY?

 

Genuinely, do you think he was ****e today?

 

I thought he tracked back, he chased, he harried, he ended up at one point playing right full back to cover...

 

IMO that was the best performance from Guly in a Saints shirt.

 

So, if you think he was sh1te and I think that was his best performance, one of us is wide of the mark

[James]

You're fu cking nuts mush.

 

also can't believe people continually have it in for Danny Fox too. He's far far better than Harding. Whenever Harding plays we don't play well.

[shurlock]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

 

No, no, no - he was very good - kept the midfield ticking over and prevented it from going into its usual coma of late.

[Scudamore]

Man crush on Billy Sharp is in the post...

[Lets B Avenue]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

 

You and me seeing a completely different game. Again.

 

I can hardly recall Guly giving the ball away all day. Even my mate, who normally slags him off, had to admit he played well today. Rare praise indeed. And as for Fox. What did he do to get your considered wrath today? **** your missus?

[kpturner]

All things come to those who wait.

 

Many of us have been waiting a long time now to see some real evidence that our seemingly long lasting performance slump might be coming to a close. Although we were perhaps not quite back to our very best early season form, methinks todays effort was dominant enough (against decent opposition) to suggest we may be on the up again. The start of a unstoppable march to promotion then, or a false dawn ? Time will tell.

 

Three good.

Sharp and Lambert look to have the makings of a lethal strike-force - the best combo in this division ?

Our defence looked much surer with Hooiveld and Fonte back together again

Adam Lallana - The real thing I reckon

 

Three bad.

Guly do Pardo - Fading badly as the season progresses IMO - bottled out of a 'one-on-one' with their keeper late in 1st half

Danny Fox - Offers the team very little of note as far as I can see.

I had to defrost a frozen solid 10 year old on the way home !

 

Two of your three bad points are works of complete fiction - but I hope your 10 year feels warmer now.

[kpturner]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

I think the only thing that was sh1te was your assessment. Some people make up their minds about him before the game starts - and I think you are one of them.

[shurlock]

Fox was much better, especially in the first half and every corner was on the mark.

 

BUT he defended very narrowly and their RM was given plenty of space. Forgot how many times they were able to ping the ball out to him without even a challenge.

[Tamesaint]

The crowd was up for it as well today. 24000 plus made it the 5th largest attendance in the country today.

 

Its all coming together nicely.

[Saint-Reece]

also can't believe people continually have it in for Danny Fox too. He's far far better than Harding. Whenever Harding plays we don't play well.

 

Totally agreed, last season I was one of those who thought Harding was immense for us, but since we've had Fox I feel like he's definitely a step up from Harding.

Yes, he's not as willing to make those runs forward, but as a defensive player, his defending is definately better than Harding's and this season whenever I have seen Harding play LB, (when he was RB against (Forest???) he played well, granted) he's been sh*te and cost the team with leaving spaces in behind or backing off far too much and letting the winger/full back get a cross in and they wreak havoc sometimes.

 

I think Fox is a solid LB and too many people have too big a love in with Harding where he can do no wrong.

 

As this is the Post Match threadI shall throw in my view, I agree with most. This Team is back on the up, a performance reminiscent of our early season, apart from we could've been more ruthless infront of goal, and I definately thought Guly put in a shift, as did the two CM's and Lambo. Well, everyone was on top of their games, I'd like to see Connolly's 'Goal' again, but yeah, we outplayed a form team for 75 minutes of the game they never looked like scoring, didn't make possession count really and I didn't even realise Austin was on the pitch!Also, Sharp and Lambert together is going to be a tasty partnership in the run in. I can't wait too see them score sackloads. Bring. It. On.

 

COYR'S!!! Cannot wait for Tuesday!

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

REALLY?

 

Genuinely, do you think he was ****e today?

 

I thought he tracked back, he chased, he harried, he ended up at one point playing right full back to cover...

 

IMO that was the best performance from Guly in a Saints shirt.

 

So, if you think he was sh1te and I think that was his best performance, one of us is wide of the mark

 

That would be you then.

 

I had hoped that this forum had progressed beyond extravagantly praising Saints players just because they make a show of running around for you - they are very well paid to do that and to be frank that is the very least I expect from any Saints player. You may be satisfied with mere physical effort shipmate, I like to see some skill to go along with it thanks very much. All our players put a shift in today - but if that was all we needed then Simon Gillett would still be here.

 

Guly wasn't just poor today - he was borderline dismal. All in all I think I'd rather have seen Jason Puncheon out there in all honesty rather than Guly - and that's saying summit because I don't think very much of him either.

[corky morris]

Good performance. Back to our early season form and style.

 

Disappointed with Burnley. A lot of high balls which our centre backs dealt with at ease. Full backs did well. How anyone can say Harding is any where near Fox's ability puzzles me.

 

Sharps movement and pace was just what we have been looking for. Lallana was back to his lively best and Connolly looked good when he came on

 

Lambert was man of the match for me. Absolute class.

 

Davis had a good game. Caught everything and the throw out to Sharp almost on the halfway line wide right should encourage him to do it more.

 

Guly had a good game tracking back and helping win the ball back in our half. Cork had a particularly good last 20 minutes

 

Only negative for me was Schniederlin. Completed pass rate was very high but all short sideways and back. His negative play means out forward thrusts are often negated giving the opposing defence time to compose themselves. I would bring Hammond back and have him on the bench.

 

Why have you got it in for Morgan? Your always negative about him? He was excellent.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I think the only thing that was sh1te was your assessment. Some people make up their minds about him before the game starts - and I think you are one of them.

 

You are capable of actual thought processes ?

 

This will come as news to the entire forum .......

[Minty]

Guly wasn't just poor today - he was borderline dismal.

I'm not qualified to comment as I wasn't there, but it has to be said that you're the only person posting so far who thinks this and let's be honest, there are numerous people usually willing to criticise him.

[Saints foreva]

Professional performance by Saints.

 

Something needs to be done about the atmosphere at St. Mary's though, it was terrible today.

[rooney]

Lambert & Lallana, sheer class with esquisite first touches. Sharp was snapping at anything remotely near goal. Richardson was playing like a top class wing back and his cross from the bi-line for Adams goal was superb.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I'm not qualified to comment as I wasn't there, but it has to be said that you're the only person posting so far who thinks this and let's be honest, there are numerous people usually willing to criticise him.

 

Oh I always read what others say, but I aways call things only as I see them.

 

Now whether my view happens to coincide with that of others is as unimportant a matter to me, as it should be to you. Rest assured I'm certainty not going to be in fear of expressing myself just because it is unpopular on here.

[LostBoys]

Very good performance all round - Lambert masterclass - better finishing would have produced 5 or 6 but I only had them down for 2 zip and so 10 prediction points wlll do roll on Tuesday I have my ticket

[latter day saint]

well,that was rather good!

nearly had a sex wee watching Lambert's today.

roll on tuesday ! Big Sam, were coming for you ya fat nothern cock !

[Ashley Grute]

Guly had a really good game- end of.

[kpturner]

You are capable of actual thought processes ?

 

This will come as news to the entire forum .......

Well done! Hilarious, fantastic etc......you are doing well this evening aren't you.

[doddisalegend]

Guly played well today his first touch can be poor but he worked hard and kept it simple for a very good performance today. I still don't think right wing is his best postion, I'd rather see the drive and pace of Puncheon there now he is back on the bus, I still think Guly would be best playing in behind the strikers. Reckon Nigels going to have lots of selection headaches for the rest of the season. The problem is we've now got a lot of good players (when they're at there best) and not enough space in the match day team for all of them.

[doddisalegend]

Totally agreed, last season I was one of those who thought Harding was immense for us, but since we've had Fox I feel like he's definitely a step up from Harding.

Yes, he's not as willing to make those runs forward, but as a defensive player, his defending is definately better than Harding's and this season whenever I have seen Harding play LB, (when he was RB against (Forest???) he played well, granted) he's been sh*te and cost the team with leaving spaces in behind or backing off far too much and letting the winger/full back get a cross in and they wreak havoc sometimes.

 

I think Fox is a solid LB and too many people have too big a love in with Harding where he can do no wrong.

 

As this is the Post Match threadI shall throw in my view, I agree with most. This Team is back on the up, a performance reminiscent of our early season, apart from we could've been more ruthless infront of goal, and I definately thought Guly put in a shift, as did the two CM's and Lambo. Well, everyone was on top of their games, I'd like to see Connolly's 'Goal' again, but yeah, we outplayed a form team for 75 minutes of the game they never looked like scoring, didn't make possession count really and I didn't even realise Austin was on the pitch!Also, Sharp and Lambert together is going to be a tasty partnership in the run in. I can't wait too see them score sackloads. Bring. It. On.

 

COYR'S!!! Cannot wait for Tuesday!

 

I can't agree I'm constantly amazed how much space Fox likes to give opposition wingers he seems to like to make sure there is always 6ft between him and the oppostion player. Running away from the oppostion isn't the best way of defending maybe Cork can give him some lessons on how to tackle.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Well done! Hilarious, fantastic etc......you are doing well this evening aren't you.

 

I think I've expressed my view with a admirable level of clarity. You on the other hand seem more interested in what I happen to think rather than adding anything of your own ..... presuming you have anything to say in the first place that is.

[CanadaSaint]

I think I've expressed my view with a admirable level of clarity.

 

I don't think it's the clarity that's in question.

[Wade Garrett]

If you think what Guly did for us today was great then you're far too easily pleased mush. He was sh1te.

 

Amazing how opinions differ.

 

Oh, and by the way, you're talking complete sh!te.

[BlakeySFC]

Great win.

 

We HAD to win this! Had we lost I would've been intolerable the rest of the weekend.

[SB]

Did Lee make an appearance? If so how did he play?

[kpturner]

I think I've expressed my view with a admirable level of clarity. You on the other hand seem more interested in what I happen to think rather than adding anything of your own ..... presuming you have anything to say in the first place that is.

So you haven't managed to glean that I take a different view to you regarding Guly's performance today? What else would you like from me? Presumably something terribly insightful along the lines of your erudite observation that "he was sh1te" perhaps?

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Amazing how opinions differ.

 

Oh, and by the way, you're talking complete sh!te.

 

What's really amazing is just how many mongs on here are satisfied with a player who puts in a utterly mediocre performance, but because he runs about a bit that's more than good enough for them. But if he was so bloody great then why did the manager hook him off then .....unless he picked up a knock, then Nigel Adkins must be wrong too eh ?

[kpturner]

What's really amazing is just how many mongs on here are satisfied with a player who puts in a utterly mediocre performance, but because he runs about a bit that's more than good enough for them. But if he was so bloody great then why did the manager hook him off then .....unless he picked up a knock, then Nigel Adkins must be wrong too eh ?

So many things in that post tell me you don't have much of a clue where football is concerned. Describing people who take an alternative view to you as "mongs" gives the biggest insight of all though.

[Wade Garrett]

What's really amazing is just how many mongs on here are satisfied with a player who puts in a utterly mediocre performance, but because he runs about a bit that's more than good enough for them. But if he was so bloody great then why did the manager hook him off then .....unless he picked up a knock, then Nigel Adkins must be wrong too eh ?

 

You're brave calling me a mong from behind your keyboard. Knobhead.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

So you haven't managed to glean that I take a different view to you regarding Guly's performance today? What else would you like from me? Presumably something terribly insightful along the lines of your erudite observation that "he was sh1te" perhaps?

 

Oh I got your drift - such as it is. You seem to be having a problem understanding that I don't agree with you.

 

If you think Guly was great today then why don't you expand on your argument ? What exactly did he do that impressed you so very much, and why did Nigel Adkins hook him off if he was so brilliant ?

[teamsaint]

if Guly is so poor, I am really looking forward to an even better replacement.

 

Guly is a very good, very effective player, who has probably been carrying a knock.

He's not perfect, but NA had plenty of options other than to start with him today.

Perhaps NA subbed him for tactical or fitness reasons. We have another big game tuesday.